Nonprofit Capacity Building

Grant Ready Roanoke is a City of Roanoke initiative created in partnership with the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance.

The City and Virginia Tech developed a foundational nonprofit skills course based on input received from City staff, funders, nonprofits and community-based organizations. The goal of the course is to help informal, community-based groups become incorporated and prepare small nonprofits to apply for and receive formal grant funding from the City and other partners, if and when, it becomes available.

Two representatives from each participating nonprofit or community-based organization complete the course. Participants will receive instruction and guidance in a class setting once per month and regular one-on-one coaching and instruction.

Apply to Participate

Grant Ready Roanoke's next program cycle will begin in late 2026 with capacity for 10 nonprofits to participate. If you are interested in participating, email a completed application to Brad Stephens at bas615@vt.edu on or before September 28. The Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance will review all applications and select participants. All participants will be notified by mid-October. The Grant Ready Roanoke program is anticipated to begin in November 2026 and finish in April 2027.